LTTE is also responsible for the mess in which SL Tamils are today. They ran a defacto country from 1987 to 2008, but they never used that position of strength to negotiate with SL Govt. They could have got more than the 13 th amendment, even a self governing domain under SL, but Prabhakaran's ego came in the way. He also killed off the moderate Tamil leaders, the nett result being Tamils left with no leaders and direction today.
They could have easily arrested the press and confiscated the cameras, its not that they were from CNN or BBC. Even CNN, BBC reporters faced detention.
The fact of the matter is don't run when challenged by Govt agents carrying guns (until you have a fool proof escape plan). It will result in brutal force being used.